It didn't take long for the next match to be set up.
Cementoss had fixed the arena including the stray damage that had come near the audience wall when the impact created tons of debris. Luckily for the plot, no one was seriously injured by the fight.
He noticed Midnight getting treated by a medical bot which is putting up some sort of swabs on her bruises however light they are. The bondage hero noticed him approaching her.
Darkem could feel her swallowing down her fear as she turned her head towards him.
"Where were you?"
"Infirmary, checking up on the boy. He has spirit, his wounds won't be halting his progress."
"Yeah, Recovery Girl does her job well." She nodded. Knowing the capabilities of her older co-worker's Quirk, even if it has its limits.
Not really what he meant, but it's enough for what truly happened to be kept secret. Unless one of the three of them together will decide to tell someone about this. Chances are that they will tell someone who will either believe them or not.
"May I ask something?"
He raised a brow. "Curious about something? Speak then."
"How do you do it?"
"...You’ll have to be more specific, mortal."
"What you just did in the previous match... It's hard to believe that you're not a-"
"I'm no god, mortal. Neither am I something you can understand quite easily with your feeble mind." He said simply.
'To have you know that I'm just a nobody orphan from the streets surviving for those 20 damn years, being transferred into this world in this body is something none of you can understand.'
"Then... not that I want to insult you or anything but, are you not a god?" She said carefully. "Considering what happened during the match between Sero and Todoroki, you literally touched the ice that would have taken hours to remove in just the blink of an eye. No doubt that everyone would think that you have some kind of a dangerous Quirk, but Principal Nezu told me otherwise..."
"Then you are smart to doubt, instead of thinking ignorantly." He commented.
"...Thanks, I guess?" Not sure if she was being insulted or being complemented by something that can potentially kill them all with almost no effort.
"Only fools would not question the unknown, only blindly charging into the thick fog that whatever awaits for them will be either their doom or second a chance not to act foolishly." He said lastly before walking away, ending their conversation.
But what he had said had gotten Midnight to think on his words. She wasn't sure if the reaper, demi-god, or 'not-a-god-yet-a-god-at-the-same-time' is being humble or just... She doesn't know.
However. . .
The wraith-in-disguise sighed in relief. He originally went to Midnight to check up on her to see if she was alright or not, double-checking if her injuries might be serious and the medical bot was just treating the external wounds.
And according to his summons spread around the Arena, there was nothing of importance around. No suspicious people around (despite the civilians themselves looking suspicious enough). But it's better to be careful than laze around.
And you would have to be a monumental moron to plan an attack, today especially. There are literally thousands of Heroes and Pro Heroes around. If you wanted to get arrested now would be the time to do it.
After the repairs were finished, the next match was the quarter-finals round. Ibara vs Iida. It was a surprisingly quick and clean match.
Ibara was slow to attack, not putting up defenses around her and just attacking with all her vines, leaving her open from behind. Iida just simply pushed her to the side, making the fight end in Iida's favor.
The next match was also a quick one. Fumikage vs Mina. Fumikage was able to score a victory by pushing Mina out of bounds. He'd have to make a note on training the other students in Close Combat. Focusing your strength on one ideal part, is foolish and leaves you with no advantage and will be defeated or killed at worst.
The following match is Katsuki vs Kirishima. Endurance vs Damage. Kirishima is Bakogu's counter, the latter able to absorb his explosions.
'But how long until the Hardening wears out...? I wonder?' He thought.
He noticed the Midoriya boy sitting on the decks with Iida. He really hoped that the boy was playing the part of being 'injured'.
"OOOOHHH!" The voice of Present Mic broke his train of thought, returning his gaze back to the fight. "BAKUGO COUNTERS AGAIN! UNLIKE BEFORE, IT SEEMS TO BE WORKING!?"
"Ohhh~" 'So the Hardening has its limits. With enough explosions, the rock armor diminishes.' He thought. 'Pity that Kirishima didn't finish the fight quickly.'
Bakugo then assaulted Eijiro with a continuous barrage of explosions and manages to knock him out, leaving Bakugo the winner.
"Kirishima is down! Bakugo is the winner!" Midnight declared.
"WITH BAKUGO'S VICIOUS LOW CARPET-BOMBING BLASTING HIM INTO THE THIRD ROUND!" Boomed Present Mic. "WITH THAT FOLKS, WE'VE GOT OUR FINAL FOUR!"
'And with that, it's Tenya vs Todoroki...' He mused as he watched the medical bots putting the unconscious Kirishima onto the stretcher and watching them leave a moment later.
He had already expected who would win, but chances are still chances. It's best to know who would truly win just by guessing.
With some slight fixes to the Arena for an even smooth ground for both fighters, Tenya and Todoroki were now in place for the fight.
It was a silent staredown between the two. When Midnight started the fight, Shoto immediately launched an ice attack at Tenya in an attempt to end it there, but the latter managed to dodge Shoto's attack just in time by jumping into the air.
'Speed vs Power. If Iida is fast enough and avoids hits, he can win this fight. But if Shoto manages to catch him, it will be all over.' He mused. 'However, Iida will need to be careful if he goes close enough for a kick.'
Tenya activated his Quirk and attacked Shoto with a fast strong kick, to which the latter narrowly dodged. Tenya quickly countered with another fast kick, slamming Shoto onto the ground. Shoto quickly grabbed onto his leg but Tenya flicked his hand away with a quick movement of his leg.
He then grabbed Shoto and proceeded to try and throw the boy of fire and ice out of bounds before he ran out of energy.
'No... It's a loss to Iida.' Darkem shook his head.
Tenya then realized that there was ice inside his mufflers, causing him to slow down. Shoto proceeds to grab his leg, freezing Tenya's entire body into a stand still.
"A good effort..."
"Iida is immobilized!" Midnight announced. "Todoroki wins!"
"TODOROKI ADVANCES TO THE FINALS WITHOUT EVEN SHOWING HIS FLAMES!"
Darkem walked over to the arena while Shoto was still looking at his left hand, as if in thought of whether to use his flames or not. Entirely on his decision.
He clapped, gaining the notice of both students, while one was still trying to ignore the cold touching his body. Though he could faintly hear Iida quietly say 'Brother'.
"A good fight and good effort showed." He said. "You two did well, despite ending the match quite quickly."
"...Thanks, sensei."
Iida would have tried to also bow his head, but he was stuck in the ice. Darkem seeing this he cast {Erasure} on the frozen Tenya, immediately making the ice disappear into thin air again.
With Tenya freed from the ice, but still feeling the aftermath of the cold, he still bowed his head and thanked him.
"This match has given you two another experience to remember for future fights." He said neutrally. "Have your Will be done ever more."
After some repairs were done to the arena floor, the next match was between Fumikage vs Katsuki. The match was obvious. While Fumikage's Quirk is multipurpose, as it can both be used as defense and attack at the same time, it has one weakness.
Light.
And Bakugo can make light using explosions.
This led Fumikage to go fully defensive and Dark Shadow (STANDO) was unable to regain its full strength. With much persistence of keeping Bakugo at bay, this led Bakugo to be pissed off and decided to end it with Stun Grenade, causing an explosion around him, hitting Fumikage and Dark Shadow in the process.
With the smoke clearing, Bakugo has pinned Fumikage down. Knowing that he cannot win, Fumikage surrendered.
It wasn't a fair match, to begin with.
Again, he'd have to train these kids on how to fight without their Quirks or if they cannot use their Quirks to win.
As Alcatraz had said, "Improvisation is the key to perfection"...
The last match he would hope to be at least interesting would be Todoroki vs Katsuki. Both are equal in terms of power and speed, although he doubts that Shoto would win if he decides to hold back his flames.
And for some reason, he felt despair, horror and disbelief coming from the Class-A seats. He sees no students acting what he had felt, but it's coming from their general direction.
There was a break time about 20 minutes before the last match of the tournament was about to go. Enough rest time for two fighters to regain their strength.
He would just sit on the edge of the arena, waiting for the next match.
"Darkem-sama," He turned around and saw Cementoss. "may I ask if you are alright with our setup?"
"...Nezu told you about me I assume?"
The blockhead teacher nodded. "Only through certain staff members of the U.A. know about your... circumstances."
He nodded, showing that he agreed to principal Nezu's thinking. "It is foolish for no one to know the dangers that are within your comfort zone. But at the same time foolish."
"...May I ask why you think that?" Cementoss asked politely, not wanting to anger the reaper.
'Please, don't ask me any more questions.' He mentally groaned.
"Would you prefer to know something that is dangerous to the community, or would you prefer to keep such secrets hidden from all?"
"I..." Cementoss paused before he could answer. The question itself is simple and obvious, but the context behind it means something much more. In regards to the danger within, would one prefer to have everyone know about it? Or oblivious to it?
If the former, it would cause wide-spread panic and disorder. The needless chaos and despair spreading around.
But if the latter, it would mean everyone would go around their lives, with nothing to fear and nothing to worry much about.
It was a simple question, with the most logical yet hardest answer.
"I take your silence as a no." Darkem hummed. "To know much of the unknown would take a toll on one's mind. Including the risk it would take for one's own sake."
'Please no more questions, please no more...'
"I see... Another question if I may ask, and don't worry, this will be the last one."
'Oh I damn hope this is your last damn question!' He barely managed to hold that thought in and not shout it over to the man.
He nodded, making him continue speaking.
"What is it... What are you?"
He froze to the question, no, it was more like a statement.
'Indeed... What am I really?' He pondered, his mind deep in thought. 'Am I still a human in a sense? Have my reasonings been lost? Am I still myself, or am I another being pretending to be Leon Z. Markemch...?'
He didn't reply for almost a minute, making Cementoss think that he had asked a foolish question and he would die. He couldn't do anything to stop such a being if one would consider the power he was able to do by erasing a massive object like Todoroki's ice with just but a touch.
He doubted that he could even stop him, nor even delaying him for even a minute. His worrying thoughts were put to rest when Darkem answered:
"I am what I am, Cementoss... I am something that no one in this world can seek to understand." He stood up to his feet. "There are no restrictions in possibility if one such as yourself would think of impossibility.
However, the least I could answer your question in the most simplest of terms; "I am merely a Reaper of Fate, nothing more, and nothing less." If any of you, to those who know what I am to you all, I am not God and I am no God. For me to say such a thing to the One Above All Things is foolish to consider and doubtful in one's self thought." He paused, letting the man absorb the information plunged onto him. "So abide alongside me and fear nothing, for I will bring no harm to any of you, unless one dares to harm me in such a way first."
He finished, managing to hear the announcement of the next match is about to start. Good timing too.
"Now, let us be where we are to be. We have a show to watch, and people to consider."
Cementoss could only regain his bearings, after hearing such complex, confusing and mind boggling words thrown to him. He went back to his cemented seat-throne as the contenders walked up to the arena floor.
He could feel the determination and fiery emotions from Bakugo, no doubt excitement for the fight. Shoto however, he could only feel little fire going from him, with conflicted feelings swirling around within him.
'My talk wasn't enough I suppose...'
"Show honor in the fight, you two." He spoke loudly enough for the two to hear. No doubt included Midnight and Cementoss hearing this. "Give it your all or hold yourself back. It is the choice of the both of you."
'Although this is just merely a tournament, this does give the students some career choices once they are finally registered as Heroes...' He thought disgusted at the last word, none of them are heroes. He has seen none of them as so-called 'Heroes' beside the select few.
"Fight... Fight for both of your sakes." He nodded those words to himself, but they heard it. He backed off from the arena a fair distance away. Until then, he signaled for Midnight to begin the match.
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"START!"
Shoto makes his first move by attacking Bakugo with a pillar of ice, the same attack as he did with Sero, but less effort put onto it. Bakugo defended by blasting the ice, tunneling through in the process, considering the shaking booms coming from within the ice.
As Bakugo blasts his way through, he then rushes as Shoto. Shoto moves to counter-attack, but Bakugo evades mid-air using an explosion and grabs Shoto's left side.
Darkem narrowed his eyes. The boy is no doubt holding back. He cannot make him choose, he can merely guide the boy. He will respect his decision, even if it's foolish, it's his own person that can make themselves their path.
Bakugo throws Shoto onto the ground, but he manages to create an ice wall behind him to prevent himself from being thrown out of the ring. Bakugo immediately rushes to attack Shoto again, but Shoto manages to evade his attack and grab him with his left. The flame side.
At that moment, it's whether he will use his flames, or not.
The decision was not unexpected. Shoto didn't use his flames and instead threw Bakugo onto the ice wall, moving out of harm's way.
He would admit, he was a bit disappointed in Shoto not using his flames. He would be able to win easily should he use both elements. But it seems that he is still conflicted about his mindset on whether to use his flames or not.
Aizawa began to comment on Bakugo's continuing show of aptitude for battle during the fight, and Shoto losing his touch after his fight with Midoriya.
'Its whether he should use it at the final moment of desperation but... It's all in that boy's decision to do.' He thought, but he agreed on Aizawa's observation. Shoto Todoroki, has lost his spark.
Bakugo, angry at Shoto for not using his full power, begins telling him not to stand in front of him if he is not fighting to win.
He himself could understand what he meant. A battle between two opponents and one is not giving it his all to win is unsatisfying and if he puts it to that honor-addict of Ainz Ooal Gown, dishonorable.
Bakugo then prepares his next attack by jumping into the air and spinning himself around using his Quirk.
He could see Shoto deep in thought, conflicted on whether to use or not use his flames. The thought of which choice is right is unsettling him.
Darkem sighed, seeing that he doesn't want to intervene on Shoto's thoughts with {Message} and make him fight with all he's got, but at the same time he really wants to see another good fight like Todoroki and Izuku's match.
He'd probably regret this, but he decided to do it anyway as he cast {Message} at Shoto.
[Do you wish for your own past to hold you down? Or do you wish to become your own man and lift your burden up?] He could probably tell that Shoto was surprised at hearing his voice in his head. Although hopefully, the boy would just think that it's those words saying out loud in his head, in his imagination.
[You are your own man, your own person, your own identity. Let none control what you want to become] After saying those words, he quickly disconnected the link.
Quickly posing as if he was just simply watching the fight, Todoroki glanced a look towards him, no doubt thinking that he was either speaking to him in his mind, or he somehow reminisced the words he said.
For almost a second, he could see Shoto's lips moving. From how it moves, it looks like he was thanking him.
In an instant, Shoto's left side suddenly burst into flames.
"WHHOAA, TODOROKI JUST SUDDENLY BURST INTO FLAMES! IS HE REALLY GOING TO USE IT!?"
Shoto was prepared to counter Bakugo's move, the latter was excited to see Shoto's fire and readies his special move.
Shoto whirls the flames around his arm towards his hand, preparing to unleash a powerful burst of flames to mitigate Bakugo's explosion. While reinforcing another ice wall behind him so that he won't be blasted out of bounds.
Within time, two superpowers clashed. Flame and Explosion.
The clash between the two was so intense that the burst of wind crashed back outwards towards everyone in their seats.
He couldn't help but sense a great source of pride coming from the audience, no doubt an individual, Shoto's father being 'proud' of using his flames. A father who now wishes to see only the glory to his goal.
Other than that, he really needs to teach the kids to not use 'flashy moves' all the time. Waste of movement, waste of energy, and would be obvious.
The clash created a huge smokescreen that covered almost the entirety of the Sports Stadium. No one can see what had happened in the arena.
"T-THAT WAS SOME EXPLOSION. HEY! WHAT HAPPENED!?" Present Mic said confused, unable to see through the smoke as much as everyone else. 'WHO IS THE WINNER!?"
Darkem simply walked over towards the arena. The smoke was not hindering his vision, so he can see who won and what happened.
And he was not surprised, but he generally didn't expect it either.
Shoto is out of bounds, with Bakugo being the winner.
The explosion and the fire blast impact was so great that the force pushed Shoto outwards, even though he managed to reinforce the ice wall behind him, he still fell out of bounds.
He doesn't know whether to be proud or disappointed. But he was certain that he saw Shoto diminish his great flames a moment later after letting out a big fire blast at Bakugo.
Shoto is out of bounds by just a feet inch off the line. He lay unconscious on the pile of ice beneath him with his shirt almost gone due to the flames he ignited. He turned to see Bakugo getting up as he slowly walked up towards Shoto.
"A fight well played, Bakugo." He said to the explosive child. "It seems you've earned a good fight, even if he wasn't in the mood." He muttered quietly enough at the last.
"Todoroki is out of bounds! Bakugo is the winner!" She declared, making the audience cheer in response.
"HOWS THAT YOU BASTARDS!" Bakugo shouted with his all, his remaining strength then faded before falling down to his knees.
"AND NOW, THAT EVENT CONCLUDES OUR CONTEST! THE FIRST YEAR WINNER OF U.A.'S SPORTS FESTIVAL IS KATSUKI BAKUGO OF CLASS A!"
Seeing that the explosive boy is fine and dandy, he went to the unconscious Shoto and inspected his injuries. Luckily for him, nothing much but some bruises and scratches.
"The medical bots will handle it here, sir Mors." Midnight said, approaching him.
Almost the instant she mentioned the medical bots, they arrived with the stretcher. Darkem gently placed Todoroki for the bots to head back to the infirmary to recover in tip-top pristine shape for the ending ceremony.
With the students now healed up and proper, now was the awarding ceremony. The top contenders were on a small platform that showed their positions of whether they are 1st or the 3rd ranked. It wasn't much to be honest, which Darkem considered. The tournaments back on YGGDRASIL were more awesome than this one.
Then again, different world. And YGGDRASIL was just a virtual game, entirely different. And these are just kids, time would tell how much they will grow.
Or they will fall early...
Anyways, all students were gathered onto the courtyard with the exception of the top 3 contenders of the last event. Though one was absent namely Tenya Iida due to personal and family reasons. He was the one he managed to sense horror and despair within his emotions.
The first place was Bakugo, glamouring around in glory in his heated gaze. Also shouting boasting nonsense about him being the top and them below him, but they ignored that. Shoto being the second, although he wasn't paying attention and his head was on some other thing than this useless ceremony.
Officially, the third places would have been Toyokami and Iida. But Midnight had explained that the latter wouldn't be appearing due to 'family emergency'. A little look into the two; Izuku and Uraraka being distraught at the word of Iida not being here, he had gotten the idea.
He doesn't want to help people, but nor does he want any children under his watch (not entirely) to be down in any case. In the long term, such thinking would bring disastrous results.
That is if they wish to adapt to such a situation.
It was a bit surprising to have All Might be the one giving out the medals to the contenders, but the man has to do his part to put up everyone's hopes.
Even if that pillar is so fragile, a singular pillar holding up the world's hopes.
A foolish yet noble burden.
With how Todoroki said to All Might on not using his left and still have something to settle down from his past... It was progressing, and his deeds are not tumbling down for naught.
He will admit, All Might's speech was inspiring, if one would exclude that awkward (and possibly embarrassing) moment in the last part of his speech.
And holy crap the crowd was really, really loud.
----------------------------------------
Timeskip - Afternoon, U.A. Highschool
"It was interesting."
"Huh?"
"The day itself, it was interesting."
Darkem's voice was soft-spoken. As if he had seen something that satisfied him, or better yet, was in a good mood.
He and All Might, or rather Toshinori Yagi in his thin skeleton form, walked through slowly in the hallway.
It was already afternoon, there were no students around aside from Class-1 A whom were about to be leaving as soon as Mummy Man (Aizawa) finished up to them. They would be given 2 days at least of school to recuperate and put out draft forms for them to review when they return.
"Was the Sports Festival something you enjoy?" Toshinori asked.
"Indeed, a show for greatness and a test of power against one another. It does remind me of those Tournaments held up before..." He muttered quietly at the last part, but Yagi was able to hear.
"You have Tournaments where you're from?" He raised a brow, albeit surprise to hear such a being to have tournaments on... wherever he came from.
'Ah shit... Oh well, what's bad about telling the truth such as this topic?' "Certainly, but not compared to this I speak honestly. If I were to compare this to the Tournaments I witnessed in this place, it would be somewhat… bland in appearance."
"I... I may have to doubt you on that, sir Mors." Yagi said truthfully and politely.
Darkem dismissed his concerns. "Talk to me as if I am just your fellow co-worker and an average person with powerful if not multiple Quirks within my disposal, Toshinori. Even with the difference in power, one such as myself must put respect on individuals such as yourself and others. It would be rude not to do."
"I suppose so."
“But your boy is interesting.”
Toshinori felt his eyes widen ever slightly. “Do you mean…?”
“Izuku Midoriya, yes.” He nodded. “That boy has grown into you. Are you sure he isn't your son?”
Toshinori stopped as of right now, he felt the urge of coughing rising up within his throat, but he held it in and covered his mouth. Unfortunately he managed to cough, causing some of the blood to get out from his mouth. Feeling the blood spat into his covering hand.
“W-W-What *cough* what makes you say that!?” He pulled out a napkin from his pockets and wiped the blood off his mouth.
Darkem stopped after a few steps, turning towards the skeletal man.
“I mean to say, is that he looks up to you as a father-figure. Despite trying to act as his mentor, or even try being his mentor on having your Quirk, the both of you showed something that is similar in my eyes.” He hummed.
“Similar? What do you mean?”
Darkem paused, allowing himself to wander deep within his memories, searching for his words.
“You remind me of a certain fellow that I know. He calls himself a ‘Hero of Justice’, wanting to save everyone and anyone in need. He certainly acts like you, just as you and the boy acted like him.”
‘Imagine if that guy Touch Me were to be transported into this world. I doubt he can make any real differences.’
Good men, even if they try to make the world a better place. A world without peace, without harm and without war…
It is a reality that would be impossible to achieve, and easy to dream for.
“May… May I know his name?” He asked politely but also interested to know someone with the mindset like him.
‘I think it's best you dont know his in-game name.’ The absolute confusion if he were to reveal the name of one of the members of Ainz Ooal Gown to be one of the most common yet notorious names in gaming history.
“...I will not give you his name. But he is called the “Paladin of Pure Silver”, and for a good reason.” He turns around, facing the man. “If I would say it truly, if the both of you were to meet, I have no doubts the two of you will become friends.”
With that said, he walked away, leaving Toshinori on his own. What he said, he contemplated his own words.
It really made him think of the others and how they are doing. Last he remembered, he checked his contacts, and only his clanmates and some members of Ainz Ooal Gown were the only ones listed, all of his clanmates were online.
In this world or in the order, he would wonder what they are doing from time to time.
Even when he disagreed with some of their terms and ideas (mostly on the Clan Leader), he wouldn't admit it, but he wished them well… Wherever they are.
After he would rearrange some things within his room, he’d be going out tonight.
He had someone to make better with...
. . .
He had walked to the train station boarding for Hosu City. He arrived just in time to board onto a train for Hosu City.
He sat down near the doors, glancing the inside of the traincar. It was retro if he would say so. From the Old World, the public transport system of the train was much slimmer and bigger than this.
And thankfully it was evening, otherwise he would have to deal with tight crowds within the traincar.
Based on the information he had gotten, the reason for Iida’s hasty departure from the awarding ceremony was that his brother had gotten into a very unfortunate encounter with someone called the “Hero Killer” Stain.
He chuckled at the thought on someone being more hell-bent on his anger against heroes, but he wasn't amused on this one killing.
He doesn't like these people calling themselves “Heroes”, he could see that some of them would just go for the sake of fame and glory, some for the thrill and action, and only a few would deserve to be called Heroes.
He wouldn't mind someone beating the heroes up, but to kill?
This “Hero Killer” is no doubt a deranged person, but he had a feeling there was a reason behind this. Until he would be able to find this reason, he’d be happy to chat with him.
He’d put a mental note to send a couple of Shadow Demons to locate the Hero Killer in the city. The plan when contacting the man will be drawn out later, as he is focusing on one task for the current time.
After what felt like half an hour, the train stopped with a voice announcing its stop at Hosu City.
He went to a map nearby, trying to find the Hosu Hospital where Iida was headed. From where he was at, it would take him just a few minutes to reach there, by using rooftops of course. It's a cheap and easy way of traversing through the urban jungle. Public transportation is slow and unreliable for someone like him.
Unless they would decide to take their time, then why not?
He went to the isolated part of the station, casting a simple 4th tier invisibility spell before hopping onto one of the buildings.
He could technically fly towards the hospital, but… Time is not of the essence here. Ingenium, Tenya’s brother, while seriously injured, is still alive and stabilizing. Although the scars would be there to haunt him throughout his days. Just put down a simple heal on the man, and all is good.
It didn't take even 3 minutes when he stood on top of the building, and in front of him was the hospital. Though since it was already midnight, the visit times are already closed. So he’ll be sneaking his way through. It was good enough, since this would be a private conversation between him and the man.
He would ask where Tensei Iida is at the reception desk, but having no mind-based spells placed him at a disadvantage in this situation. So he decided to do the old, hard way.
Going through each hallway and finding his room. He would use his ‘Emotion Sense’ but there were alot of people around in the building emitting similar emotions, so it blanketed out the rest. Unless one is emitting a much stronger one, he can sense it but it might not be Tenya’s emotions leaking out.
Some time later he managed to find the room where Tensei Iida is in. And he was not alone.
There lying asleep in the corner of the room was a small figure, a female. No doubt the mother of Tensei and Tenya. But just to be sure, he cast a {Sleep} spell on the woman.
As he was still invisible, they didn't notice him. He went closer towards the sleeping, heavily injured form of Tensei.
If he was still human, he would have winced at the condition the man was in. Almost his whole body wrapped up in bandages and machines wired around him. With an oxygen mask on his face, it would be safe to assume he was unable to breathe properly without it.
He was still invisible, but that doesn't mean that he cannot be heard.
“A hero of silver and honor has fallen, hasn't he?” He changed his voice so it sounded very hoarse and deep. As an honor to a very famous narrator of a long time ago in his world.
Tensei grunted as he slowly opened his eyes, he felt his heart skip a beat.
What he saw was Death standing at the side of his bed, looking down at him. It wore what most people would describe Death as a figure.
It wore a black tattered robe, and its face dark as the void would be and mist coming down from its hooded robe.
His first thought was that he was hallucinating, then realizing that he was about to die and Death taking him by his hand. Truthfully, he didn't want to die, he didn't want Death to take him yet. Not yet.
He didn't want to die yet. He had so much to live for, so much to spend time with his little brother…
“...A precious life, for an honorable soul.” It spoke. “Thy seem to be… Worried?”
“...Am… Am I... About to die?”
Death’s head turned to him, looming above his lying form. He wouldn't lie if he felt fear.
“...A man such as you are, foolish, but not that I would have you to die in such a foolish way. For you still have much more to do, silver one.”
While he seemed confused by what Death had said, Death raised its dark misty hand and it was suddenly swallowed by a purple void. He felt the void was filled with unholy, damned souls whirling around full of evil that would swallow him.
Death pulled out his hand and what was in his hand was a bottle of grand design, filled with whatever liquid it was in.
He thought that Death was just making him think he won't be taken, and that he will be given a drink, a poison that would painlessly take him to the afterlife.
“Your Will, is not yet done, Silver One. {Sleep}.”
He suddenly felt tired, sleepy, his eyes turning heavy as he tried to fight it, but he caved in. His last thoughts before he went into the comforts of the darkness, was that he regretted he didn't spend more time with his brother.
Darkem sighed, before changing back to his priest attire.
Without wasting any time, he gently removed the oxygen mask on his face and poured a [Healing Potion] into his mouth, thinking that a [Minor Healing Potion] wouldn't be able to heal his injuries completely. He would usually do it by casting {Regenerate} on the poor lad like he did with Izuku, but the condition of his injuries made it unsure on the thought of success.
Plus, this was the perfect opportunity to test (experiment) the healing potion’s power. Since All Might, or Toshinori didn't want his old scars to be healed, and using {Regenerate} would take some bits of his MP if he used it as an everyday thing.
With its contents emptied, he saw Tensei’s body glow in bright green, indicating that it was working and his body was instantly healed by the magical uses of the potion.
The man was able to breathe more clearly, he could see that he was more relaxed and not seemingly in pain.
The test was a success no doubt. He wouldn't mind a single loss of a potion, since he has surplus of variant types of it. Even for opposite types for the races who took negative-based healing could prove useful in some circumstances.
With his suspicions now confirmed, he took a slight bow towards the sleeping Tensei before teleporting out from the room and back to his room in U.A High School.
Letting out a small sigh, he sat down on the comforts of his bed and stared at the window, gazing at the night starry sky.
He really wondered why he did that. Why he wanted to help Tenya Iida’s brother. Was it because of pity? Out of respect because he was a hero? Was it because he was simply doing his duty and he got caught up by the very worst of it?
He would lie to himself if he would say “It was nothing, it was only for my own interests.”
It was a bullshit excuse and he knows it.
And yet he clings to that lie because it gives him comfort. He disavowed any lies, yet he clings onto one.
He sighed once again before going to his computer and working on ways to train the students in terms of combat. While he couldn't help them in their abilities since the other teachers would help them on that one, he will be the one to teach them how to survive.
Live or die, there is no try.